Veteran sports analyst and television host Shannon Sharpe has announced his decision to “step aside temporarily” from his duties at ESPN, as the controversy surrounding a rape lawsuit filed against him continues to escalate.
Taking to social media on Friday, the 56-year-old issued a statement affirming his innocence in response to a lawsuit filed by a Jane Doe, who alleges Sharpe repeatedly raped her during what she describes as a years-long abusive relationship.
Sharpe, however, maintains that the relationship was entirely consensual, writing:
“My statement is found here and this is the truth. The relationship in question was 100% consensual.
At this juncture I am electing to step aside temporarily from my ESPN duties.
I will be devoting this time to my family, and responding and dealing with these false and disruptive allegations set against me. I plan to return to ESPN at the start of the NFL preseason.
I sincerely appreciate the overwhelming and ongoing support I have received from my family, fans, friends and colleagues.
— Shannon Sharpe”
Sharpe’s decision follows a $50 million lawsuit filed in Nevada, in which the accuser claims to have suffered multiple instances of sexual assault toward the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025. His legal team has firmly denied the claims, calling them an “egregious blackmail attempt.”
Sharpe, known for co-hosting Club Shay Shay and First Take on ESPN alongside Stephen A. Smith, has been a prominent figure in sports commentary and a vocal presence on social media.
He is expected to return to the network in time for the start of the NFL preseason.
